Towne Lake Real Estate Guide » Home Improvement

Home Improvements That Could Help Lower Energy Bills

Knox — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 19:33:50 +0000

I’m still thinking green, and I came across two home improvement items that could help with energy costs around the house.

Attic Wrap — Another Energy Saving Technique

“Without going into too much detail about the mechanics, methods and materials of Dupont’s Attic Wrap, suffice it to say, it is similar in use and function to other Tyvek weatherization products . . . but specifically designed for roofing systems as a semi-permeable barrier to keep attics warmer in winter and cooler in summer.”

Cutting Energy Costs With Paint — The Case for Ceramic Insulating Paint

“While not as widely used as might be expected, insulating paint is worth a second look. A NASA spinoff technology, ceramic paint and ceramic paint additive offer a number of advantages over regular paint at reasonable cost.”

16 Ways To Live Green

Knox — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:42:36 +0000

One of the things that I have decided to do to enrich my every day life, is to live a “little more green”. You know what I am talking about. I want to conserve electricity, lower my energy bills and just simply help the environment in any way I can.

In the beginning portion of my research I came across a blog called, Living Green. The author, Aaron Doyle, is a fellow realtor and an EcoBroker. Her blog introduced me to 16 Ways To Green Your Home. The link is to a .pdf at the U.S. Green Building Council, which takes a more in depth look at the 16 ways to lower the impact of everyday living. After that, go check out the Living Green blog.

Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Program Your Thermostat
Plug Air Leaks
Tune Up Your Heating and Cooling (HVAC) System
Choose ENERGY STARÂ® Appliances
Reduce Water Use
Switch to Green Power
Buy Local
Use Low-VOC Products
Use Wood Alternatives or FSC-certifi ed Wood Products
Use Rapidly Renewable Flooring Materials
Plant Trees to Provide Shade and Wind Protection for Your House
Use Native Plantings
Use Nontoxic Gardening Techniques
Carpool, Use Public Transportation, Walk or Bike When Possible
Buy a High-efficiency Car

Home Improvement Links For May 9

Knox — Tue, 09 May 2006 15:01:43 +0000

Tips on preserving decks, siding, fences [Real Estate Mate]
A View With No Room — Products For Taking the Bedroom Outdoors [Real Estate Journal Online]
Recovering The Cost of Home Remodeling Projects [About]
Spring is best time for vital home repairs [Real Estate Mate]
Best kitchens are all in the layout [Real Estate Mate]
European Industrial Designers Jump Into the Frying Pan [Real Estate Journal Online]

Home Improvement Linkage

Knox — Thu, 08 Dec 2005 15:18:43 +0000

Before You Buy a Gas Log Fireplace [About]
Kitchen remodeling requires new floor [RealEstateMate]
Cabinet re-facing offers advantages, drawbacks [RealEstateMate]
Cost vs Value - to remodel or not? [The Real Estate Blog]
Remodeling: Cost vs. Value 2005 [Urban Trekker Blog]

Home Improvement Linkage

Knox — Fri, 11 Nov 2005 17:25:34 +0000

How to Measure and Calculate Residential Square Footage [About]
Tips on how to sand, re-stain your home’s front portal [RealEstateMate.com]
Should You Remodel Or Move? [Homes101]
Remodeling Replacing Custom Homes [Homes101]
Hacking Your Dream Home [Seattle’s Rain City Guide]

If you have any questions about how home improvements affect the sale of your home please use the contact form to find multiple ways to get in touch with me.

Thinking Of A New Kitchen?

Knox — Tue, 08 Nov 2005 17:16:18 +0000

One of the rooms that’s closest to the top of the list with people searching for a new home is the kitchen. The kitchen needs to wow the prospective buyer or at the least not be a detractor. This being said, when most sellers decide to spruce their place up or do some renovations, the kitchen is one of the main places to hit. The Remodeling Online figures from their 2004 Cost Versus Value Report show that doing a minor kitchen remodel will recoup 92.9% of the cost put into the project. If you choose to perform a major upscale kitchen remodel you’ll recoup 80.3% of the cost and with a major mid range kitchen remodel you’ll get back 79.4% of the money you put into the project. These numbers lead me to believe that if you’re remodeling to sell quickly, go with minor kitchen remodel due to the higher value added percentage. However, if you plan on staying in the house and enjoying your upgrades for awhile, go ahead and do the major remodeling project.

Here are a few other sources of information regarding kitchen remodeling:

The Kitchen Sells Your Home [Realty Baron]
Trade show reveals latest in kitchen design [RealEstateMate.com]
Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
Remodeling Kitchens: Getting Started [Hometime]